Norman Jay

Biography

London, England. Perhaps hyperbolically described as a clubland legend, Jay is certainly a hugely popular and highly respected figure in dance music. As a DJ, his style encompasses many forms of black music, including soul, funk, disco, hip-hop and garage. Perhaps his enduring popularity (the UKs Muzik magazine called him a man of the people) lies in this rare democratic approach to his playlist. Another factor is his foresight and innovation: Jay was listening to early Chicago house records and staging warehouse parties three years before the UKs acid house explosion of 1988. He is also the DJs DJ, with many contemporary superstar DJs citing him as an early influence.

Jay was born in the early 60s to West Indian parents. He had DJing ambitions even at the tender age of eight and first played out at his cousins tenth birthday party. As he matured, he was inspired by...